A few days before Queen Elizabeth II’s 70th jubilee celebrations, six soldiers from one of her life regiments and a veteran were arrested for drug dealing. The British Ministry of Defense announced on Friday that the members of the Irish Guards were also suspected of usury and money laundering.
“None of the soldiers under investigation will be taking part in the planned Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Parade.” The Sun newspaper reported that five of the seven suspects were released on bail.
The 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards, one of the British Army’s most active units, is to march in the ‘Trooping the Color’ parade which opens the festivities in London on Thursday (2/6).
As the so-called Colonel of the Regiment, Prince William is the royal patron of the Irish Guards and wore the uniform of the troop at his wedding in 2011. The unit is also known for its mascot, an Irish wolfhound.
As the newspaper “Daily Mirror” reported, several properties in different parts of the country were searched at the same time. “The army does not tolerate illegal or fraudulent behavior,” the ministry said.
